THE DATA PROTECTION regulator is launching a probe into Eir over allegations that the company signed customers onto contracts without their knowledge during door-to-door sales.

A protected disclosure received by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) from a whistleblower in recent weeks highlighted claims that a number of customers were contacted by Eir personnel, informed about various deals, but were signed up afterwards even if they had declined.

It is understood the allegations maintain this had the effect of debts building on the accounts of affected customers.

In correspondence seen by The Journal, the DPC said an investigation into the allegations was warranted.

It remains at an early stage, with the DPC only recently confirming it had accepted the allegations for further querying.

The DPC said it was “of the opinion that the report of alleged wrongdoing in relation to the signing on of customers without consent” meets the requirements to be “transferred to the investigation stage”.

According to the DPC, no decision has been made at this stage concerning the allegations about the telecomms and internet provider. When contacted this week, the watchdog told The Journal that the complaint remains under assessment and declined to comment further.

Eir told The Journal that the complaint had also arisen in Workplace Relations Commission proceedings, which are ongoing.

Given this, Eir said it cannot comment on the specifics of the allegations about the door-to-door issue.

But the company added that, broadly, it has controls in place to ensure compliance with its standards.

The company said:

“Eir takes any allegation of wrongdoing extremely seriously. We have clear policies and controls in place to ensure compliance with our standards, robust mechanisms for employees to raise concerns, and comprehensive procedures for investigation should an issue be reported.”

Recent years have seen Eir among the most-complained about companies in Ireland annually.

Earlier this year, it had to refund over €305,000 to some 14,800 people after an investigation found it had not adequately informed its customers about exclusions to international call allowances.

Prior to that, in 2023, it was convicted and fined €7,500 after it was prosecuted by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) over its former customer complaints procedures.